The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that if Islamabad seeks it, the Islamic Emirate will mediate negotiations between Pakistan and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Earlier, Pakistani media reported that the Afghan interim government tried to resume negotiations between the TTP and Islamabad.

“If Pakistan wants us to mediate, and we know that it is beneficial, we will undoubtedly mediate as it benefits the region and we don’t want war in the region,” Mujahid said.

He also denied the presence of TTP in Afghanistan and said that the Islamic Emirate will not allow Afghan soil to be used against other countries.

“We don’t have any type of connection with the TTP--in that we support them, or are with them; on the contrary, we do not allow them to be active in Afghanistan,” Mujahid said.

“If the Islamic Emirate begins mediation between the Pakistan government and TTP, it will be a good gesture,” said Sarwar Niazai, a military veteran.

“If any side mediates between the Pakistan government and TTP, there is not any other group but the Taliban,” said Asadullah Nadim, military analyst.

Earlier, the Express Tribune reported that there is a renewed push by the Afghan Taliban to restart talks between Pakistani officials and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a delegation of tribal elders reportedly met the TTP chief.

Though there was no official confirmation from either side, sources claimed that the tribal delegation recently met TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud. The meeting was part of efforts to explore the possibility of the resumption talks that were called off in November last year.